Crime and the prospect of crime has gotten so bad in Downtown Tulsa that the Police Department is expanding the special task force that is assigned there.

Anyone who has attended a baseball game or a concert downtown knows that if you park several blocks from your destination, the possibility of danger lurks in the shadows.

The proliferation of bars, rock concerts and the adult bookstore haven’t helped matters – at least in the perception of danger.

Police have had to deal with at least one riot/disturbance over the sudden cancellation of a rock concert at the downtown arena.

It just doesn’t seem safe after dark.

“This shift in police presence recognizes the changing nature of Downtown Tulsa,” said Mayor G.T. Bynum.

It has gotten so bad, the Tulsa Police Department and the Downtown Coordinating Council have opened a “Public Safety Hub” at 416 S. Main Street for police officers “to quickly mobilize across downtown.”

“The Impact Team’s expansion provides nearly around the clock coverage to ensure the heart of our city and region – the front door to millions of annual visitors – remains vibrant and safe,” Brian Kurtz, Downtown Coordinating Council Executive Director said.

Tulsa taxpayers have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to satisfy city officials and chamber power brokers in Downtown Tulsa. This is at the expense of resources needed for infrastructure in the rest of the city. City leaders promised the public that Downtown would be safe and a good place for families. This expanded police coverage is proof that work needs to be done to make Downtown safe after dark.